Being a leader vs. acting like a leader

Being a leader involves exhibiting deep care about people, processes and results. This care manifests itself in many small ways –

Following up on commitments

Ensuring the customer’s needs are represented in the room

Respecting people’s time by showing up on time and, in connection oriented jobs, responding to them in time

Showing up prepared

Running great meetings

Never hesitating on asking the tough questions – but always doing so in a constructive manner

Documenting thought process and rationale thoroughly

Bringing a positive attitude

Seeking to understand and then to be understood

Demonstrating great care for team members by enabling them to learn and grow

There are occasions and roles when you have to act like a leader more often than not- e.g., lead from the front and be the decisive voice in the room. But, these are fewer and increasingly not the norm.

Instead, most jobs are a lot more about being a leader versus acting like one. Exhibiting deep care doesn’t require you to lead from the front. Instead, it works best when you lead from behind – that is the kind of leadership required in most roles anyway.

Finally, what is often forgotten is that you have to first be a leader to earn the right to act like one.

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.